Along with spectacular exterior and interior holiday decorations, a new 18-foot Blue Spruce tree, illuminated with 13,000 white and color-morphing Christmas lights, and embellished in white snowflakes and traditional circular bulb ornaments,was unveiled this month at the corner of Progress and Commerce Drive. It is a replica of the 2011 National Tree, which has been traditionally lit since 1923 on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C.
Chairman Robert D. Scinto's plans to bring last season's stunning design to Shelton's Enterprise Corporate Park was temporarily stalled when the 26-foot tree fell to the ground during Hurricane Sandy. However, a week before Thanksgiving,Amy Zadrozny, landscape and floral designer for Stratford Shire Landscaping, the company that cares for R.D. Scinto Inc.'s commercial properties, assisted Mr. Scinto in picking out an 18-foot replacement tree planting from Jones Family Farms.
Because Mr. Scinto is determined to ensure the tree's continuous growth, all of its lights and ornaments are attached to a nylon mesh, which is draped over the tree and held together with guy wiring. This is the same configuration used each year for the National Tree.
It took Ms. Zadrozny, of Milford, and co-worker Wayne Poulin, of West Haven, three days to hang the multitude of lights and immense ornaments.
“We're going to take good care of that tree,” Mr. Scinto said. “We expect it to grow a foot and a half every year.”
Mr. Scinto said he plans to expand the tree display at Progress Drive and hopes to stage a live Nativity scene next year.
“Each year we will make it better and better,” Mr. Scinto stated. “When our tenants leave each day, they will have something beautiful to look at. I also hope families who are driving by will take the time to get out of their cars and really take a look at this wonderful tree. It's radiant and uplifting and a perfect reminder of what this season is all about.”
Mr. Scinto and Ms. Zadrozny returned to Jones Family Farm to cut down two 12-foot Fraser Firs that are currently sparkling in the lobbies of Corporate One and Two buildings. At Mr. Scinto's direction, for the past six years Ms. Zadrozny has modeled the trees' decorations after the Metropolitan Museum of Art's traditional 18th-century Neapolitan angel and cherub tree.
Adding to the holiday spirit, The Renaissance, a luxury condominium and apartment building located at 100 Parrott Drive, is also adorned with a 14-foot holiday tree, surrounded by brightly-colored gift boxes, in its lobby. Also on display are two, handmade 7-foot Nutcracker figures. Using sonar tubes, recycled Pringles and oatmeal containers, and paper mache, Ms. Zadrozny meticulously crafted these iconic holiday symbols for all to enjoy.
There are 68 ten and twelve-inch Poinsettias planters and live evergreen wreaths throughout the corporate park.
Along with aesthetically-appealing decorations, Mr. Scinto, a long-time resident of Fairfield, enjoys celebrating the season with a visit from Saint Nick. Every year Mr. Scinto invites families who work at the Shelton office complex to bring their children to a holiday party that includes hot cocoa, Christmas cookies and, of course, a visit with Santa Claus. Shelton photographer Tom Robinson is responsible for getting even the most reluctant toddlers to smile. Every family immediately receives a complimentary 5-by-7-inch photographic print.
“We do this early in December so families will have a beautiful, professional photo they could use for their Christmas cards,” explained Katie, Scinto, vice president of marketing for R.D. Scinto, Inc.
“Santa” is portrayed by Jim Chedister, of Trumbull. When Mr. Scinto met him at St. James Church in Stratford about six years ago, he immediately asked him to pose for photos at Enterprise Corporate Park. With Mr. Chedister's naturally long white hair and fluffy beard, twinkling eyes, and infectious smile, he's the “perfect” Santa Claus.
To help families in need in the Greater Valley region, the Scinto family encourage guests to bring a new, unwrapped toy for TEAM's Toys For Kids Annual Toy Drive.
“This is something we do to bring joy to people's lives,” said Mr. Scinto.
